For dog owners, the health of their beloved pets is of utmost importance. It is just disheartening to see our precious dogs have to 
experience physical pain and anxiety because of poor health. Thus, we have to provide the most proper health care and the best possible treatment.
Probably the most evident problems in dogs’ health are with regard to their skin. Diseases that affect dog skin health are easily seen, as the skin is the largest organ of the body. Common skin health problems may be acute or chronic. Some may require temporary treatment; some need lifetime care.
Here, some the most common dog skin health concerns are given, so that dog owners can be well informed.
- Hot Spot is skin irritation that is caused by persistent licking and biting of the dog at itself. The infected area is inflamed and may spread immediately. It may worsen and lead to breaking down of the top layer of the skin and occurrence of pus. It may also lead to dermatitis ear disease, and skin allergy. Treatment of hot spot is through application of corticosteroid and antibiotic.
- Follicular dysplasia is a dog skin health problem that causes massive hair loss. The hair follicles malfunction because of abnormal structure.
- Atopy is a kind of hypersensitivity to anything that is inhaled or came in contact with the skin. It is a common dog skin health disease and is normally distinguished by constant itching. Areas that are commonly affected are the face, feet, and ears.
- Acral lick dermatitis is characterized by lesions caused by incessant licking, especially in the lower part of the leg.
- Dermoid sinus is a skin disorder that appears as lumps that may be just one and may increase in number. The lumps usually appear on the dorsal midline.
- Flea allergy dermatitis is a common skin disorder that is caused by allergic reaction to flea saliva. Fleas are parasites that feed on dogs’ blood and are quite difficult to eradicate.
- Pemphigus Foliaceus is dog skin disease that arises from overactive response of the immune system to foreign substance. Crusting of the skin and erosions in areas such as the eyes, nostrils, and mouth are symptoms of this disease.
- Dermal fragility syndrome is a genetic dog skin health problem that is characterized by slow healing of wounds and injuries. The skin also becomes more elastic.
- Food allergy is an adverse reaction to protein in food. This reaction can only be a mild case but can also lead to more severe cases. Food allergy manifests itself in the form of itching most especially in areas such as the face and the paws. Dogs diagnosed with this skin disorder are usually given hypoallergenic diet to relieve of the allergy.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin disorder that shows itself as scales in the dogs’ skin. Loss of pigment mostly on the nose is also an indicator. Discoid lupus erythematosus results from overactive immune response.
Armed with knowledge on common dog skin health problems, dog owners can prepare for the best treatment to their beloved pets. The best way to give your dog a healthy skin and coat is by providing an appropriate amount of exercise, and by providing a good diet. To ensure your dog is eating enough vitamins you could consider a multivitamin for dogs. There are a few available so shop around and look for a natural vitamin that is made for dogs!